Paper Summary
The Kwanza Shelf is witnessing a resurgence in exploration interest with new insights indicating that the potential of this misunderstood hydrocarbon system has been previously underestimated. Historic exploration on the Kwanza Shelf has seen 23 exploration wells drilled, 18 of which were spudded prior to 1993. Only two exploration wells were drilled on 3D data, with the remainder based on 2D data of various 1980s vintages. Analyses of well results demonstrate that the key elements of a petroleum system are present, with successful reservoirs in both the pre- and post-salt. However, historical wells were unlikely to be optimally positioned due to a limited understanding of the 3D structure obtained from vintage 2D seismic data. In partnership with Agncia Nacional de Petruleo, Gas e Biocombustve is (ANPG), PGS has acquired a new multisensor GeoStreamer survey over the Kwanza Shelf. This new data provides enhanced subsurface illumination through broadband acquisition and the use of modern processing workflows tailored to the unique imaging challenges of shallow water and salt presence. This new broadband 3D multiclient dataset will equip explorers with the tools to identify and unlock the pre and post-salt plays in this underexplored area of the Angolan offshore.